Review: Closer (capsule)Closer is Mike Nichols' finest film since Carnal Knowledge. A masterful exercise in raw form, Closer also features the best performances by all four of its leads (Julia Roberts, Natalie Portman, Jude Law and Clive Owen). Nichols has rarely been this confident, either so attuned to the material or ingratiated to the subject matter...either way, it has resulted in a masterpiece. An exploration of the darkest sides of adult relationships, Closer essentially takes three "grown-ups" and frames them around the centerpiece "child" (Portman, glorious). Though an equal ensemble, at its core, Closer is "Alice"'s story, one of mistrust, betrayal, love, lust...every troubling and powerful adult emotion and act that can make or ruin a love affair. If only more contemporary masters made films this strong so late in their careers. |